Miami leaders’ abuse of power has finally come under overdue public scrutiny | Opinion

Over two years ago, I accepted an offer to become city of Miami police chief. Although I loved the job I had as police chief in Houston, the opportunity to lead Miami’s department was a dream come true.

I was born in Havana, and my father, a fierce anti-communist fighter, moved our family to the United States to escape Castro’s tyranny. On Dec. 26, 1968, my family and I arrived in Miami as political refugees. I distinctly remember being housed in La Casa De Libertad, World War II barracks adjacent to Miami International Airport, where we were processed. On Dec. 31, we left my aunts, uncles and cousins for opportunity in Los Angeles, California.

Considering my history, there were few things I could do in my 37-year law-enforcement career that would honor my parents more than to serve the Cuban diaspora my family loved visiting and considered our home away from home. As the son and nephew of anti-communist fighters, political prisoners, and a member of the heroic Brigade 2506, I was lured by the thought of being close to family, reforming the department and retiring in the city where my American journey began.

Many people warned me of Miami’s toxic politics but, having dealt with elected officials and bureaucracies for decades, I incorrectly assumed Miami would be no different than elsewhere.

I could not have been more wrong.

Within days of becoming Miami’s chief, I noticed that certain individuals in the city operated without regard for the law or their oath of office. In essence, some officials were functioning like a mafia and their behavior reminded me of stories my parents told of our island homeland that was destroyed by an authoritarian who proclaimed himself a great liberator to only turn into a dictator who exploited Cubans for his own good — El Diablo, Fidel Castro,.

The nefarious behavior I witnessed led me to write a memo to the mayor and city manager expressing my concern. I also provided the memorandum to state and federal officials. Sadly, the only consequence from sending the memo, at the time, was my public humiliation and termination, orchestrated by Commissioner Joe Carollo.

But the tide finally seems to be turning, and I hope I played some small role in that.

In June, a federal civil jury ordered Carollo to pay $63 million in damages for using the city government’s resources for his personal desire to infringe upon the free-speech rights of two Calle Ocho businessmen, who had the resolve and financial resources to fight back. And those same actions by Carollo are the basis for another lawsuit against the city that has the potential to cost taxpayers millions more in damages.

Recently, it was reported that Mayor Francis Suarez is being investigated for accepting at least $170,000 in illicit funds from a developer. Then two weeks ago, Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla was arrested on charges of bribery and money laundering.

None of this surprises me.

Although my tenure as Miami police chief was brief, my history of recognizing what could be criminal conduct is long. I’ve come to realize that lawlessness and disrespect for constituents is deeply rooted in a few powerful politicos in the city.

Out of fear of retribution, honest public servants and citizens understandably continue to look the other way instead of standing up to corruption. I wholeheartedly believe that citizens should never fear their government and Miami officials should not be able to abuse taxpayers with impunity.

The events of the past few months suggest that the march on the road to accountability has begun. For the sake of the hardworking people of Miami, and all freedom-loving people, it’s imperative for community members throughout Miami to stand together to demand and ensure accountability.

My heartfelt thanks go out to the Broward State Attorney’s Office and Florida Department of Law Enforcement for taking one official who has abused his power off the streets and out of City Hall.

On Miami’s road to justice, let’s hope this is just the beginning.

Art Acevedo is a former Miami police chief.